HOUSTON, Aug 31, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- CenterPoint Energy announced today that it is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross. The company is also establishing a dollar-for-dollar employee challenge grant that could increase the company's donation to $500,000.

"Our hearts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Katrina," said David McClanahan, CenterPoint Energy President and CEO. "Many of our employees and customers we serve in south Louisiana and Mississippi were directly affected."

"Relief agencies have advised us that the most immediate need is for money, and we are pleased to make this corporate donation," McClanahan said. "In addition, our employees have always been generous in supporting our communities with their time and financial contributions. We're confident that they'll once again rise to the occasion and respond positively to this challenge grant."

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and sales, and interstate pipeline and gathering operations. The company serves nearly five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total approximately $16 billion. With more than 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com.